Day 1 Suzhou → Tanxianling → Zicheng Ruins Park → Xitang → Suzhou
07:00
Meeting point 1: 07:00-07:10, intersection of Jintang Street and Zongguantang Road (near Exit 6 of Pinghe Road Station on Metro Line 2. Self-driving cars can park at Yaosheng Building, capped at 20 yuan/day)
Meeting Point 2: 07:30-07:35, Suzhou City Toll Station (G1522 Changtai Expressway Entrance), 200 meters south, waiting for the bus under the elevated road (if you drive, you can park at Huadong Decoration City, the maximum fee is about 25 yuan/day)
After signing in, we set off on the highway. The team leader led the interaction, introduced himself and explained the itinerary, and we laughed and laughed all the way to our destination.
09:30
Hiking around Nanbei Lake
We arrived at the trailhead around 9:30 AM. Today's hike covered the Tanxianling Loop, a mix of stone paved paths, dirt roads, and steps. The total hike was approximately 7 km, taking about 3 hours. We reached the summit of Gaoyang Mountain, Yingke Peak, offering panoramic views of the mountains, sea, and lake. The surrounding mountains, covered with pine trees, bamboo, tea trees, and orange trees, created a poetic and picturesque scene. We enjoyed a lunch break, which we shared with the group.
·afternoon
Zicheng Ruins Park (this stop will be skipped during holidays to avoid a rushed itinerary)
We arrived at the Zicheng Ruins around 2:30 PM. It's said that understanding Zicheng is understanding Jiaxing. As Jiaxing's earliest city wall, Zicheng is the city's very roots. The watchtower, perched on the wall's central axis, stands like an old man, watching over his people. To preserve the ruins, the people of Jiaxing, with their exceptional romanticism, have built a ruins park imbued with oriental aesthetics. Not only can you admire the watchtower and corridors up close, but you can also take in the ruins pits, the stone archway, and the gardens...
Explore Yuehe Historic District
Why limit your visit to Wuzhen? Yuehe Historic District is no less captivating! A network of winding alleys and streets crisscross the narrow canals, flanked by quaint old houses. The basic layout of three rivers and three streets creates a crisscrossing network of ancient streets and alleys. Small bridges, flowing water, houses, snacks, markets, and time-honored shops... Strolling along the bluestone paving along the shore feels like walking on the veins of history with every step. Stroll through the Yuehe Historic District's markets, sample distinctive Jiaxing cuisine, and check out popular casual restaurants—you won't want to leave Jiaxing empty-handed!
·night
Night tour of Xitang Ancient Town (If the entrance fee is collected during the period, the tour will be changed to Nanxun Ancient Town)
Around 16:30, we gathered and boarded the bus, ready to head to Xitang Ancient Town (about a 40-minute drive).
Around 5:00 PM, we arrived at Xitang Ancient Town, the filming location for Jay Chou's music video for "Tianya Passerby." Let's enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Xitang's transition from day to night. We'll have free time to wander around, take a boat tour, and explore some authentic Jiaxing delicacies (tourist groups are welcome to share meals).
Around 7:00 PM, night falls, the lights come on, red lanterns light up, small boats start to row, groups of tourists cheer up, or choose to step into a small shop with Xitang characteristics for a moment of solitude. In any case, freeze this beautiful moment!
7:30 PM
Return from the activity
Gather at 19:30 and board the waiting bus for our return journey.
8:30 PM
We are expected to arrive in Suzhou around 20:30. We will say goodbye to each other with a tearful kiss!
